The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that the over-century-old Qadeemi Masjid, located inside the Krishi Bhawan complex in New Delhi, must be removed as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project. The government has argued that retaining a permanent religious structure within a central government office complex is incompatible with the secular character of government property.
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Centre Tells Delhi High Court Qadeemi Masjid at Krishi Bhawan Must Be Demolished
In an affidavit submitted before the court, the Centre maintained that Krishi Bhawan and the Central Secretariat complex are public premises meant exclusively for administrative, governmental and public service activities. It stated that public land in a central administrative zone cannot be permanently reserved for religious purposes.
Centre Cites 1940 Agreement
The government also argued that the land on which the mosque stands belongs to it and is administered by the Land and Development Office (L&DO). According to the Centre, the mosque’s managing committee was permitted to use the premises under an agreement dated November 8, 1940, but the arrangement did not grant it ownership rights or any legal title over the land.
The Centre has opposed both the demand to retain the mosque at its existing location and the request for alternative land for its relocation. It also informed the court that another functional mosque is situated within a two-kilometre radius of Krishi Bhawan and can serve as a nearby place of worship.
Mosque Committee Seeks Continuation of Prayer Facility
The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by the caretaking committee of Qadeemi Masjid, which approached the High Court apprehending the demolition of the historic structure during the redevelopment process.
The petitioners have clarified that they are not seeking to stop or delay the Central Vista project. Instead, they have requested that the mosque be considered for retention at its existing location or that a reasonable and accessible alternative prayer facility be provided in the newly planned government complex.